I have a '97 Ranger 4.0L 4x4 STX with rear-only anti-lock brakes (RABS). The yellow anti-lock brake light is on in the gauge cluster. If I start the truck with my foot on the brake, the light does not come on until after I take my foot off the pedal. I tried replacing the speed sensor on the rear differential, but this did not make the light go out. I did a little research and supposedly there is a test connection under the dash where I can ground the black/orange wire in order to make the abs light flash a code. I can't seem to find this connector, and was wondering if a '97 is different than a '96 and older setup. I did find what the autozone repair info. website said was an abs test connector on the front of the power distribution block under the hood, which has a red and a green wire going to it. However, I do not know how to activate the light to flash a code with this connector, and didn't want to start blowing fuses by experimenting. Does anyone know if you can get the codes by using this connector? Better yet, does anyone have any ideas as to what could be causing the light to come on? If the speed sensor that I replaced was the issue, would the code erase itself, or would it need to be cleared? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

There is a big round connector on the firewall near the clutch, stuck on the wire haness is a little black connector about 2" long and a PITA to disconnect (I broke mine). Ground the orange/black wire with the key on and click it back together. The code will flash.

There is a big round connector on the firewall near the clutch, stuck on the wire haness is a little black connector about 2" long and a PITA to disconnect (I broke mine). Ground the orange/black wire with the key on and click it back together. The code will flash.

How do I do this? Do I have to do this? Mine truck is a '94. Is there a special code reader for ABS codes? I would like my red brake light and yellow abs light to go off. They are stuck on permanently. I replaced the sensor in the differential already.

My '93 was the same.
I found a used RABS valve (on frame rail) on ebay, cheap. End of lights. works great. Probably your old dirty brake fluid corroded the unit. That stuff really is supposed to be changed!

I use this vehicle for: going from point A to B and lots of places in between

Rep Power: 24

I have my yellow ABS light comming on intermitingly this last week, it sometimes just stays on but today it didnt come on. I will try to find a code by doing the above procedure. Also how can I tell if I have RABS or 4WABS? I also have the ford factory shop manuels and briefly looked though it but without knowing what system or having their special code puller. I tried with my OBD 2 and no codes came through. I figured the brakes had their own code memory. I also noticed that their codes started with a C, rather than P for engine codes.

I'm having an abs warning light issue myself. It's on a 94 4-banger. I have been trying to trouble shoot it with the help of a Chilton's manual and this site but so far no luck.

When I turn the ignition on, my light does a continuous series of 16 short blinks and then one long blink. I believe that I have found the test connector, but even after I ground it, it just continues to blink the same series. Below is a picture of the connector. (can anyone confirm that this is the correct wire?)

From the abs flash code chart in Chilton’s, it says that “16 or more flashes should not occur”. Well, mine is flashing 16 times and I’ve got no idea why. Anyone have any suggestions for me? I’ll consider just about anything.

I use this vehicle for: dd, weekend off roader. and annoying my girlfriend

Rep Power: 38

Quote:

Originally Posted by alnvilma

There is a big round connector on the firewall near the clutch, stuck on the wire haness is a little black connector about 2" long and a PITA to disconnect (I broke mine). Ground the orange/black wire with the key on and click it back together. The code will flash.

what he is talking about is for OBD-1 systems, they have been obsolet on rangers since 1995. if your truck is '95 or newer, your truck does not have this. your truck is obd-2 and the connector is under the dash by the hood release, and has a little cover. most repair shops have obd2 readers that can read abs codes. the ones that autozone and other cheap ones, do not have the capability to read ABS codes.. most likely your abs sensor up front has attracted enough brake dust to give a false reading (because it is magnetic), or you reluctor ring (what the magnet reads) is missing a fin, the ring is built into your front brake rotor. it could even be a cut wire. and i believe that all 4x4's 1993 and up, have standard 4 wheel abs, and only two wheel drives have just rear.
P.S. check your brake fluid as well